Ford takes another belting in the US

Ford in the US has yet another headache on its hands, this time a voluntary safety recall of 1.4 million cars and 'trucks' about one-third of its 2001 model-year production to check for faulty seat belt buckles.

Ford takes another belting in the US

16 July 2001

Ford in the US has yet another headache on its hands, this time a voluntary safety recall of 1.4 million cars and "trucks" about one-third of its 2001 model-year production to check for faulty seat belt buckles.

Announced on Friday, the recall includes some of Ford's most popular US cars, people movers and pickups. Ford said a small percentage of buckles on the driver's and passenger-side front seats of those vehicles may not fully latch.

A Ford spokesman said the seat belts on front centre seats and rear seats weren't affected because they were a different design.

Less than 5 percent of the buckles may need to be replaced, he said.

There were two unconfirmed reports of minor injuries because of the problem.

The recall covers the Ford Crown Victoria, Windstar, Ranger, F-Series, Excursion and Expedition, the Mercury Grand Marquis, Lincoln Town Car and Navigator, and the Mazda B-Series truck. All were built before May 26, 2001 and the buckles were supplied by TRW Inc.

"Our testing indicates that even among defective buckles, customers can help assure a proper latching of their seat belt if they push the tongue quickly and forcefully into the buckle, and then pull on it to help ensure the seat belt is securely latched," Ford's statement said.

The recall is the latest in a series of quality problems for Ford in the US, including seven recalls on the Escape and Explorer in the last 12 months.

Ford rearranged its US management team on Thursday and is expected to announce big losses for the quarter ended June 30 following its recall to replace Firestone Wilderness AT tyres on the Explorer.

Meanwhile, also in the US, Ford has struck back at a lawyer suing the car maker and its Australian-raised boss, Jac Nasser for allegedly discriminating against white male employees in its promotion policies.

The world's number two car maker has asked the US Federal Court to fine James Fett, of the law firm Pinckney, for encouraging Ford employees to steal confidential documents to use in his case.

The documents include personnel records of employees and what Fett calls Ford's drive for a more diverse workplace.